Since 2007                                            Harvest the Sunpower!

Earlier this year the military engaged a solar technology company, Sustainable Technologies International, to develop a panel that was portable, durable and discreet enough to be used on the front line. The result of the $2 million project was a panel weighing just 400 grams and flexible enough to be moulded to a soldier's backpack.

The cells on the panel, which produce about 10 watts per square metre, use a form of artificial photosynthesis which does not require direct sunlight.

This means they can be used under camouflage nets during covert operations.

Defence chiefs believe the panels could one day replace the tens of thousands of disposable lithium batteries used each year as the main source of power for troops in the field.

The batteries contain toxic chemicals that are pollutants and can endanger soldiers in battle if they are exposed to flame or extreme temperatures and explode.

Lieutenant-Colonel John Baird said that the battlefield was becoming more power hungry and finding an alternative power source was vital.

"This is fighting in the information age, where every soldier is connected via sophisticated communications equipment and uses sensors to provide information on an enemy's position," he said.

"But it uses a hell of a lot of power and the disposable batteries we're using now are far from ideal because when they run out the soldiers have to return to a base and take the used batteries with them.

"If we can use the sun's radiation to recharge radios, night-vision equipment, and also things like remote sensors or small robotic cameras attached to transmitters, then that is a clear advantage."

Defence purchases 70,000 disposable lithium batteries each year for its radios alone, at a cost of $8 million.

The director of the solar panel project, Dr Gavin Tulloch, said that introducing the panels could substantially reduce the harmful environmental effects of the batteries as well as the threat they posed to troops.

"The used lithium in them can be dangerous, particularly in conflict situations where you're possibly looking at serious injuries," he said.

"And the residual electrolytes are quite polluting.

"The military disposes of them very carefully but obviously it takes a long time for them to break down.

"This is a win-win for defence because it addresses some of those problems as well as their operational needs."

U.S. Army soldiers will be testing flexible plastic sheeting that converts light into energy — technology that could someday find its way into the casing of laptops or even clothing to power portable devices.

A $1.6 million contract with Konarka Technologies Inc. aims to lighten the load for troops who must lug around batteries to power everything from night vision goggles to GPS units.

The Army hasn't said where and when it will test the technology, and Konarka wouldn't disclose how many units $1.6 million will buy.

SC Origin will be lighting the borders and military bases very soon with their ultimate solar powered systems, the Solar Alpha Engine and in short, they call it "The Alpha Engine".  With the Alpha Engine, it will set the army troops free from carrying bulky batteries and generators in far off areas.  Devices such as spotlights are also included in the system and the solar-powered lights offer are 10 times brighter as compared to regular bulbs, which is specailly designed by military applications.  

Flexible Solar Field Shelters were originally produced for the U.S. Army.  The thin flexible nature of flexible solar panels allows integration with fabric structures of various designs and produces an unparalleled lightweight, flexible and durable solution for remote power.

Solar field shelters reduce dependence on fuel-fired generators that are noisy and require a constant supply of fuel.

• Available in 1 kilowatt and 2 kilowatt sizes.
• Used for a variety of purposes, ranging from lighting to ventilation to power for field communication radios, GPS systems and recharging satellite phones and laptop computers.
• Two kilowatt PowerShade deploys in 5 man hours.